Scott Vail may not always be in the spotlight, but behind Keegan Bradley’s recent resurgence is a caddie with championship pedigree, ice-cold nerves, and a sharp sense of humor. From NHL bloodlines to inside-the-ropes brilliance, Vail has become an essential part of Bradley’s team since joining him in 2017.
Whether he’s helping to read a pressure-packed putt or hauling an overloaded bag through a marathon round, Vail’s role goes far beyond club selection.
Here are five facts that highlight what makes Vail one of the most respected–and relatable–caddies on the PGA Tour.
1. Scott Vail Took Over in 2017 and Helped Keegan Bradley End a Five-Year Winless Streak
GettyKeegan Bradley of the United States and caddie Scott Vail celebrate winning on the 18th green during the final round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 25, 2023.
After struggling for several seasons following the anchoring ban that disrupted his putting stroke, Bradley made a key change in 2017–he parted ways with longtime caddie Steven “Pepsi” Hale and brought on veteran looper Scott Vail. At the time, Bradley was outside the top 100 in the world rankings and searching for a spark. Vail, who had previously caddied for Brandt Snedeker for over a decade, brought experience, perspective, and a no-frills approach to course management.
That change paid off. With Vail on the bag, Bradley began trending upward again. Just a year later, he claimed the 2018 BMW Championship–his first win since 2012–in a playoff over Justin Rose. It was a breakthrough moment and a clear signal that the partnership was working.
Since then, the two have teamed up for wins at the 2022 ZOZO Championship and 2023 Travelers Championship, restoring Bradley as a consistent force on Tour. Vail’s ability to stay composed in high-pressure moments has become a defining trait of Bradley’s resurgence.
2. Vail Grew Up in a Hockey Household, but Chose Golf Over the NHL Path
Vail’s roots in professional sports run deep–he’s the son of Eric Vail, a former NHL forward and 1975 Calder Trophy winner. Eric played for the Atlanta Flames and Calgary Flames throughout the ’70s and early ’80s. Although it seemed natural that Scott might follow in his father’s footsteps on the ice, he charted a different course entirely–one that led to fairways instead of frozen rinks.
Raised in Canada, Vail developed a passion for golf early on. He eventually began working at the Oshawa Golf Club, where he learned the ropes of course setup, player habits, and what it meant to support elite athletes–not from behind the boards, but from inside the ropes. His sports upbringing helped him develop the discipline and competitive instinct that now defines his caddie style. Though he’s quick with a joke, he’s all business when the stakes are high–something his father, a gritty pro in his own right, would likely respect.
3. His Experience with Brandt Snedeker Gave Him a Winning Pedigree Before Joining Bradley
GettyBrandt Snedeker and caddie Scott Vail pose with the winner’s trophy after winning the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South on February 1, 2016.
Before teaming up with Keegan Bradley, Vail had already cemented himself as one of the Tour’s most experienced caddies thanks to a 12-year run with Brandt Snedeker. During their time together, Snedeker won eight times on the PGA Tour, including the 2012 FedEx Cup. That kind of sustained success taught Vail how to manage not only tournaments but full seasons–pacing players through travel, pressure, slumps, and success.
That experience has proven invaluable to Bradley, who has said publicly that Vail’s presence helped him regain belief and structure. During Bradley’s victory at the 2022 ZOZO Championship, he specifically credited his caddie, saying, “I have the best team around me. My caddie, Scott Vail, is a major part of that.” Vail’s insight on putting lines, course conditions, and psychological pacing has become one of Bradley’s secret weapons.
4. He’s Known for Dry Humor and Carrying an Overloaded Bag Full of “Emergency Gear”
GettyScott Vail, caddie of Keegan Bradley of the United States, walks off the third tee during the third round of the Hero World Challenge 2024 at Albany Golf Course on December 07.
Behind his calm demeanor on the greens, Vail is known for his dry humor and brutally honest commentary–even when it’s about his own player. On an episode of the GOLF Subpar podcast, Vail revealed that one of the heaviest items in Keegan Bradley’s golf bag is what he calls the “If Things Go Horribly Wrong Kit”–a stash of glasses, contacts, solution, eye drops, and anything else Bradley might need if his vision fails mid-round.
“It makes my blood boil,” Vail joked, “because he refuses to take it out of the bag.” These insights into the lighter side of Tour life are reminders of the caddie’s real workload: yes, it’s yardages and wind checks, but it’s also being part gear mule, part sports psychologist, and part comic relief. Their bond clearly goes beyond golf, and it shows in their on-course chemistry.
5. Vail Is a Trusted Friend and Emotional Anchor–and Could Be by Bradley’s Side at the 2025 Ryder Cup
In 2024, Bradley was named the surprise U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2025 at Bethpage Black–a decision that shocked the golf world and brought Bradley to tears. One of the first people he called? Scott Vail. In interviews, Vail said he was “almost crying” when he got the call because he understood just how much the captaincy meant to Bradley.
While official team staff hasn’t been named yet, there’s speculation that Vail could play a behind-the-scenes or even assistant role, given his long-standing loyalty and insight. Regardless, their relationship has grown well beyond the fairways. Vail is not just Bradley’s caddie–he’s a trusted friend, motivator, and someone who has stuck by him during both career lulls and triumphant comebacks.
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